Definition
A prostatic urethral lift is done to lift and separate prostate tissue. It can help to improve the flow of urine. Prostate tissue is not removed or destroyed.
Reasons for Procedure
A prostatic urethral lift is done to treat enlarged prostate, also known as BPH.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland at the neck of the bladder. It surrounds the tube that carries urine outside of the body. An enlarged prostate can squeeze the tube. It will make it hard for urine to pass. Most people will be able to pass urine easily right after the procedure.
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review problems that may happen such as:
- Infection
- Burning pelvic pain
- Pain passing urine
- Reaction to anesthesia, such as light-headedness and wheezing
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about things that can increase your risk of complications such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor will review previous tests. Before the procedure:
- You may need to stop some medicine. Talk to your doctor before the procedure about all medicine you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medicine and supplements.
- You may be given antibiotics. It will help to stop a urinary tract infection.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area, but you will be awake.
You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.
Description of the Procedure
A thin tube will be passed through the urethra to the prostate area. A camera at the tip of the tube will send images to a screen in the room. This will help your doctor locate the correct area. A special tool will be sent through the tube. The tool places implants around the prostate. The implants squeeze the prostate tissue. This will open the pathway for urine. The tool and tube will be removed when the implants are in place.
How Long Will It Take?
30 minutes
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. Some may have discomfort after the procedure. Medicine can help to manage discomfort.
Post-procedure Care
The care team will let you rest. Pain medicine may be given.
You should notice improved urine flow. It will take some time for the area to heal. Strenuous activity will need to be avoided for 1 week. This includes sexual activity.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Pain that does not get better with the medications you have been given
- Discharge that is thick, yellow, green, or milky
- Stones appear in urine
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org
Urology Care Foundation https://www.urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Urological Association https://www.cua.org
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
About your procedure: UroLift. UW Medicine website. Available at: https://healthonline.washington.edu/document/health%5Fonline/pdf/About-Your-Procedure-UroLift.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2020.
Exploring UroLift, a new minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/2016/09/exploring-urolift-new-minimally-invasive-treatment-enlarged-prostate/. Accessed March 15, 2020.
Jones P, Rai B, et al. UroLift: a new minimally-invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ther Adv Urol. 2016 Dec;8(6):372-376. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5117169/. Accessed March 15, 2020.
Prostatic urethral lift procedure (UroLift system). Bladder and Bowel Community website. Available at: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/surgical-treatment/prostatic-urethral-lift-procedure-urolift-system/. Accessed March 15, 2020.
UroLift for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). UCLA Health website. Available at: http://urology.ucla.edu/urolift. Accessed March 15, 2020.
What is the UroLift system? UroLift website. Available at: https://urolift.com/urolift-system/. Accessed March 15, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
- Review Date: 03/2021
- Update Date: 03/23/2020